Microbiologists who study types of mold, although they divide it into dangerous and noble, but do so with great delicacy, because in nature each of them plays its own valuable role and has a unique purpose. However, in everyday life, not everything is so rosy.
What is the difference between dangerous mold and good mold?
Mycologist scientists have not yet presented any evidence to the public that beneficial molds have zero danger. None of them has yet disproved the ability of noble molds to release toxins that are harmful to the body.
Meanwhile, manufacturers of elite food products boastfully demonstrate their prowess and ability to tame mold when they advertise new varieties of cheese, meat or fish with “stink”. But, is it prudent to trust their words, if the interests of these people are aimed at increasing profits by any means, rather than preserving the health of consumers. And any of the most “friendly” or beneficial of all types of molds releases toxic products of life and has the ability to accumulate them.
And it is no coincidence that the graphic symbolism depicts death in shades of yellow and green. After all, this is the color of the deadly toxin produced by the mold Aspergillus flavus. Consequently, all already known species of mold could be classified as dangerous, but only with the caveat that some can quickly poison a person or rapidly lead to a devastating disease, while others lead to the same result, but gradually and slowly.
The Top Most Dangerous Types of Molds for Humans
Medical scientific sources conventionally categorize the most dangerous types of mold as one of three forms of impact on patients:
- allergic;
- pathogenic;
- toxic.
A description presents the name of the mold genus and the most characteristic properties.
Aspergillus. Researchers have so far managed to isolate and identify only 180 Aspergillus species. Work on the description of more complex forms is ongoing. The Aspergillus family grows confidently in any of the spheres in the human environment and causes enormous damage to health, causing complex pathologies of the respiratory tract, nervous and vascular systems, eyes and ear canals. These fungi release the most dangerous, including deadly, toxins. And their spores cause severe allergic reactions.
Cladosporium – represented by 30 species of variegated (red, brown, greenish fungi with a smooth or velvety structure). They invisibly and unhurriedly infest dilapidated houses and apartments with poor air ventilation and heavily curtained windows, mentions blackmoldoff.com. Some of them destroy food supplies, others age books and paintings, and give clothes and furnishings a musty and decaying smell. Some are allergic and pathological forms, causing skin lesions and lung diseases, and can cause melancholy and tearfulness in those who are in the zone of their development.
Bipolaris is a grayish fungus with black flecks. Having moved into the house, it may not appear immediately, but while the mold will develop in a latent stage, the tenants will already begin to actively treat sinusitis. Later, when its presence appears in the form of putrid stains on surfaces, family members will begin to complain of deteriorating general condition, and then serious respiratory and nervous system pathologies may be discovered.
Fusarium is a type of mold that is dangerous for people living in wetlands, as well as for lovers of indoor flower gardening or growing large quantities of sprouts for dachas in their apartments. The fungus enters the house with peat or soil substrate, bought to grow flowers. In a favorable environment, it quickly develops and can appear in the form of black mold in places with high humidity. Has pathological and toxic effects on humans. Causes severe cough, a feeling of heaviness in the chest, affect the reproductive organs, affecting the function of the circulatory, nervous system.
Stachybotrys – appears as a “black slime” in conditions of high humidity. Spreads on metal, plastic and ceramic surfaces. Decomposes cardboard and wooden boxes in storerooms. Turns floors and roof rafters into chaff. May be active in basements. Strongest toxic effect on humans. Causes serious respiratory diseases.
Penicillium – in nature represented by a large number of aggressive and polyphagous species of dangerous molds, affecting food, releasing stinking spores, forming disgusting-looking colonies on the surfaces of kitchen appliances, furniture, dishes, on textiles. They are always present in food enterprises as an indicator of unsanitary conditions and violation of technological regimes. They are most dangerous in allergic form, affecting the body and causing respiratory edema, chronic eczema, asthmatic attacks. They also exhibit strong toxic potential, causing acute poisoning and damage to the gastrointestinal tract.
Note on the subject. Some sources describing Penicillins point out that they can also be beneficial in the form of antibiotics. This opinion is erroneous. Penicillin group antibiotics have indeed been produced by artificially breeding pure strains, but natural Penicillins are ALL dangerously toxic and harmful.